Baraza Network

Creating spaces for dialogue, meeting and community consultation, enabling people to come together, share their concerns and take part in finding collective solutions. The programme draws on the principles of inclusive dialogue, local participation and peacebuilding associated with the initiatives of the Kofi Annan Foundation, while being adapted to the social, cultural and security realities of the communities concerned. “Baraza,” in Swahili, refers to a meeting place where the community gathers to talk, listen and decide together. In a Great Lakes region marked by division, mistrust and disinformation, these spaces bring together people from different backgrounds, defuse tensions before they escalate, and give everyone a voice in the affairs of their community. Our ambition To make every Baraza a safe, open and respected space where residents, including young people, women and marginalized groups, can voice their concerns and build concrete responses together. Our areas of intervention Community dialogue spaces: organizing regular, inclusive gatherings where people discuss their everyday concerns. Consultation and collective problem-solving: supporting communities in identifying problems and co-designing actions suited to their context. Dialogue between citizens and authorities: facilitating exchanges among residents, community leaders and local decision-makers. Prevention and peaceful management of tensions: strengthening mediation and listening skills so that disputes are addressed before they escalate. Networking: connecting Baraza spaces to share experiences, good practices and lessons across the region. Our approach Inclusive, participatory and rooted in the local context. The rules of dialogue (respect, listening, confidentiality, equal voice) are set with the communities themselves. Sessions are led by trained local facilitators, and each Baraza adapts to the social, cultural and security realities of its setting. Expected impact Stronger trust and social cohesion between communities Greater participation of people in decisions that affect them Reduced tensions and lower risk of local conflicts Collective solutions driven by communities themselves